Date: Saturday 1 August 2026
Time: 12pm
Venue: Woodchurch Methodist Church, Pemberton Road, Woodchurch
Meeting note
Following the inaugural meeting held on Saturday 4 July 2026, an additional information meeting was held on Saturday 18 July 2026 for board members who were unable to attend the inaugural meeting. The purpose of this meeting was to provide an overview of the Pride in Place programme and the matters discussed at the inaugural meeting. No formal decisions were made at this meeting.
The meeting on Saturday 1 August 2026 is the first full meeting of the complete Woodchurch Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, at which all board members have the opportunity to participate in discussions and decisions relating to the governance and future delivery of the Pride in Place programme.
1. Welcome
- Welcome from the chair
- Apologies for absence
- Declarations of interest (if applicable)
2. Approval of previous minutes
To approve the draft minutes of the inaugural Neighbourhood Board meeting held on Saturday 4 July 2026.
3. Board communications
Discussion item
To consider the establishment of an official Woodchurch Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board WhatsApp group to support communication between meetings.
Decision required
To agree whether the board wishes to establish the group and the arrangements for its appropriate use.
4. Pride in Place prospectus and programme guidance
Discussion item
To confirm whether board members have had the opportunity to review the Woodchurch Pride in Place Prospectus and familiarise themselves with the MHCLG Pride in Place Programme Guidance.
Members will be invited to:
- confirm they have reviewed the prospectus and supporting guidance
- raise any questions relating to the guidance
- identify any areas requiring further clarification
5. Terms of reference
Discussion item
To consider the draft terms of reference prepared by Wirral Council and discuss any comments or proposed amendments from board members.
Members will be advised that:
- the current draft has been prepared by Wirral Council
- comments and suggested amendments have been received
- an amended draft terms of reference will be circulated to board members following further review and discussion
Board members will have the opportunity to raise additional comments or recommendations before the amended draft is prepared.
6. Capacity funding allocation
Information and discussion item
To receive an update regarding the £150,000 capacity fund allocation, including:
- the purpose of the capacity fund
- how the funding is intended to support the establishment and operation of the Neighbourhood Board
- Wirral Council's deduction of £50,000 from the allocation
- Wirral Council retaining £50,000 for mobilisation, set up costs and two full-time wages within the council
- confirmation that a £50,000 deduction has been applied across each Pride in Place area
- the need for further clarification as to why this was not proposed to the board for discussion
- the submission made to MHCLG included the £50,000 retained by Wirral Council in addition to community expenditure reported to date
- a request for a detailed breakdown of the retained funding from Wirral Council
Board members will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the information presented.
7. Clarification of board position from the inaugural meeting
Discussion item
Following the inaugural Neighbourhood Board meeting held on Saturday 4 July 2026, correspondence was received from Wirral Council stating that it would accept applications from outside organisations and that the board had endorsed this position.
The board is invited to consider whether this accurately reflects the discussions and any decision reached at the inaugural meeting.
Members are asked to confirm:
- whether the board agrees to this endorsement
- whether any further discussion is needed
- whether any clarification or amendment to the official record is required
Decision required
To confirm the board's position regarding whether an endorsement was made at the meeting held on 4 July 2026 and agree any further action arising.
8. Governance and grant funding arrangements
Discussion item
To consider the future governance arrangements for Pride in Place grant funding, including:
- the role of the Neighbourhood Board
- the role of the anchor organisation while Woodchurch Pride in Place is being established
- the role of Wirral Council as the accountable body
- the role of MHCLG, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- whether the board agrees with Wirral Council accepting Pride in Place applications from other organisations
- applications being submitted to the board for approval
Members will also consider any clarification received from MHCLG and Wirral Council regarding grant administration and project approvals.
Decision required
To agree the board's position and any recommendations or actions arising.
9. Secretariat update
- a WhatsApp group is available for communication, with messages remaining focused on Woodchurch Pride in Place
- the Woodchurch Pride in Place Facebook page is active
- the website is in development
- an application for a separate Woodchurch Pride in Place bank account has been submitted to Lloyds Bank
- the mini festival planned for 15 August has been cancelled due to additional requirements
10. Any other business
To consider any additional items accepted by the chair.
11. Date of next meeting
To confirm the date, time and venue of the next Neighbourhood Board meeting.